Yesterday
- Opinion
- Federal budget
We need to prepare in good times for the next big shock. These are the good times
We are a long way from even a balanced budget. If we are going to have a fiscal war chest for the next big shock, we need to prepare now.
- Updated
- Jonathan Kearns
- Opinion
- Australian economy
The Coalition must give up its nuclear dreaming
The opposition’s current nuclear proposal is an unserious political wedge being used to pry open a climate war Pandora’s box. A new round of the climate wars would be catastrophic.
- Paul Farrow
Singapore thriving after smooth, fair transition
Readers letters on the election of Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong; Labor’s Future Gas Strategy; the housing affordability crisis; and Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
This Month
Coalition chose political interest over easing the housing crisis
Readers’ letters on Peter Dutton’s focus on housing; how big super funds should prepare for tax changes; how the law can use AI; and a plea to keep printed copies of “The Australian Financial Review” alive in WA.
- Opinion
- Productivity
Fear and crisis fatigue are holding back productivity
Our uncertain world is generating collective caution. This leaves economies experiencing too little change and bearing too little risk.
- Andy Haldane
- Opinion
- The AFR View
Budget kicks off a populist election season
The housing crisis demonstrates how both major parties insist there are easy answers where none exist.
- The AFR View
RBA considers selling HQ as renovation blows out to $1.1b
The blowout, caused by large amounts of asbestos, makes the redevelopment of the RBA building one of the nation’s most expensive non-defence public works.
- Michael Read
- Opinion
- Federal budget
The Coalition swings back to the immigration playbook
The irony is that Peter Dutton of all people should understand how complicated migration numbers really are.
- Laura Tingle
- Opinion
- Immigration
Peter Dutton’s housing policies look tinged by race
The Liberal Party leader’s complaints that foreigners are competing with Australians for homes tap into resentment towards outsiders.
- Aaron Patrick
- Analysis
- Federal budget
Chalmers and Dutton put their economic credibility on the line
Chalmers has made a big, bold gamble on inflation, while Dutton’s rhetoric is bigger than the reality on immigration.
- John Kehoe
Peter Dutton’s migration and housing changes explained
The opposition leader says his changes to permanent migration and housing laws will help Australians by “restoring the dream of home ownership”. Will the changes be effective?
- Michael Read
- Opinion
- The AFR View
Solar panels debunking makes case for critical minerals leg-up
Even in a world of geopolitical and supply chain risk, the old economic orthodoxies of international specialisation and comparative advantage still apply.
- The AFR View
- Opinion
- Federal budget
Australia’s new course is to be managed decline
The budget is our politics writ small: too lacking in confidence and optimism to seek out new growth.
- John Roskam
Budget is pure politics
Readers letters on Jim Chalmers’ federal budget; Scott Morrison’s meeting with Donald Trump; and Gina Rinehart’s push against her portrait in The National Gallery of Australia.
Jobless jump could unwind next month, economists say
Economists predict some of the lift in unemployment in April may unwind in May, amid broader signs the jobs market remains strong and is absorbing a surge in migrants.
- Updated
- Michael Read
- Opinion
- Federal budget
It’s right for Australia to join the critical minerals subsidy rush
The scepticism about government interventions is understandable. But this time, they are creating new industries of immense value.
- Warren Pearce
RBA will ignore budget’s ‘miracle’ inflation forecast
Former Reserve Bank official Jonathan Kearns has cast doubt on whether the budget can produce a “magical” drop in inflation beyond the short term.
- John Kehoe
RBA says ‘no quick fix’ to house prices
RBA chief economist Sarah Hunter warns that undersupply of homes means house prices and rents will continue to rise as the market fails to keep pace with strong demand.
- Michael Read
What happens when Australia’s Boomers hand $5 trillion to their heirs
This week on The Fin podcast, Lucy Dean and Joanna Mather explain what’s happening in the great wealth transfer and how it will shape the economy, politics and intergenerational rivalry.
‘Dangerous’ to rely on key budget number given $80b spending splurge
More than $80 billion of under-the-radar spending on initiatives such as Snowy Hydro, NBN and clean energy undermines budget deficit forecasts, Saul Eslake says.
- John Kehoe
